Session 4 LUKE
An Introduction to the Gospels with a View of Stewardship  as a Way of Faithful Living	Session 1 Intro Gospels	Session 2 Mark	Session 3 Matthew	Session 4 Luke	Session 5 John

READING ASSIGNMENT 1

• Read the Gospel of Luke.
  As you read, keep the issue of stewardship in mind.

GUIDE FOR READING 1

A few things to keep in mind as you are reading Luke.

• What is significant about the differences between's Luke's and Matthew's genealogy?
• What titles are used of Jesus? How does Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel of Luke compare to the portrayal in the Gospels of Mark or Mathew?
• According to the Gospel of Luke, how do Christians regard the people of Israel and its history, traditions, and laws?
• More than any of the other Gospels, Luke is interested in wealth and how it is used. Keep note of such references, especially the implications of how wealth relates to our stewardship.

READING ASSIGNMENT 2

• In The Gospels by Mark Allan Powell, read chapter 4, "The Gospel of Luke," pages 85-111.

GUIDE FOR READING 2

1. List 7 well-known passages that only appear in Luke. (Pick from list on p.86)
   a.
   b.
   c.
   d.
   e.
   f.
   g.
    
2. Who was Theophilus (Luke 1.3)?
    

3. How is Luke’s depiction of Jesus idealized in comparison to Mark?
   a.
   b.
   c.
   d.
    

4. With whom is the focus of Jesus’ ministry in Luke?
   
    
5. Describe who the author of Luke was.
    
6. From the following perspectives, why does Luke seem to have been written?
   a. Theologically
   b. Politically
   c. Pastorally
    
7. What five Hebraic models does Luke use as models for understanding Jesus?
   a.
   b.
   c.
   d.
   e.
    
8. What three Greco-Roman models does Luke use as models for understanding Jesus?
   a.
   b.
   c.
    
9. Why would Luke use such Greco-Roman models?
    
10. What are the dangers and advantages of using such diverse models?
     
11. What does Luke mean by “salvation” and by designating Jesus as “Savior”?
     
12. Why is Luke sometimes accused of replacing a (Pauline) “theology of the cross” with a “theology of glory”?

INTRODUCTION TO LUKE

This PRESENTATION / HANDOUT will provide an overview of Luke with an eye to stewardship. Be sure to click on the NOTES option at the bottom of the screen to understand the presentation. (Handout is a 590Kb download and requires Adobe Reader.)

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. In your reading of the Gospel of Luke, what were some surprises or things you did not expect?
2. If Luke were the only Gospel we had, what would you miss from the other Gospels?
3. Read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19.1-10. What insights about stewardship does this account offer?
4. Read the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12.13-21. What insights about stewardship does this account offer?
5. Read the account of the ruler in Luke 18.18-30. What insights about stewardship does this account offer?
6. This series has been intentional about highlighting that stewardship is about a way of faithful living, not just about money. Luke's concern with wealth, however, does lead us to consider the relationship of wealth to stewardship in our own lives. In one sentence, describe your understanding of how wealth impacts your faithful living as a Christian.

ADDITIONAL LUKE RESOURCES

• New Testament Gateway Luke & Acts - Start here